Tsai vows to strengthen Taiwan-EU ties for future success at Europe Day banquet

From Taiwan Today 2019-05-16

President Tsai Ing-wen said May 15 that Taiwan is committed to working even closer with the EU in strengthening exchanges and creating more opportunities for the people of both sides and throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Taiwan and the EU are natural partners and share synergies in potential-laden sectors such as digital economy, energy and transportation, Tsai said. As bastions of freedom, democracy and human rights, they will collaborate in devising innovative approaches to tackling unprecedented challenges and threats posed by authoritarian regimes, she added.

Tsai made the remarks at the Europe Day banquet organized by the European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan in Taipei City.

According to Tsai, thriving two-way ties are underscored by bilateral trade of more than US$57 billion last year and annual growth of 7 percent since 2016. EU investment in Taiwan soared 51 percent from three years ago to a record high of US$51 billion in 2018, she said.

This healthy state of affairs was credited by Tsai to Taiwan’s robust economy and continuously improving business environment. The rapidly expanding renewable energy sector is a high point for both sides, she said, adding that it is helping realize the global vision of a green and sustainable future.

The government is looking to take Taiwan-EU relations to new heights on the back of a bilateral investment agreement, Tsai said. Such a pact would enhance the legal framework required to spur business activity and deliver tangible benefits for all parties, she added.

Tsai also took the opportunity to thank the EU for its strong support of Taiwan’s participation in the activities, mechanisms and meetings of the World Health Organization, citing letters and statements by lawmakers and officials reminding the WHO that Taiwan Can Help realize Health For All. (SFC-E)